Chapter 6: The Shadow's Return

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As Althea and Ezra trained, dark omens began to surface in the village. Crops wilted overnight, animals went missing, and whispers of dark creatures stalking the woods sent shivers through the community. Tension filled the air, and Althea felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders.

One night, as they sat by the fire, Ezra's expression turned serious. "Do you think Lyria is behind this?" he asked, his eyes flickering with concern.

"I do," Althea admitted, her heart heavy. "If she's regaining her power, she might be using dark magic to weaken us before she strikes."

Just then, a figure emerged from the shadows, cloaked in darkness. It was Lyria, her presence sending chills through the air. "You're getting stronger, Althea, but your power will never be enough to defeat me," she taunted, her voice dripping with malice.

Althea's heart raced as she stepped forward defiantly. "I won't let you hurt anyone else, Lyria!"

Lyria laughed, a chilling sound that echoed in the night. "Foolish girl. Your powers may be strong, but they're not boundless. You'll soon learn the limits of your abilities—and the consequences of your defiance."

With a flick of her wrist, Lyria summoned dark tendrils that snaked towards Althea. In a split second, Ezra stepped in front of her, shielding her from the dark magic.

"No!" Althea shouted, panic rising within her. But as the darkness enveloped them, she felt a surge of power inside her—a response to the threat against Ezra. With a burst of determination, she unleashed a wave of light, dispersing the darkness momentarily.

"Run!" she cried, grabbing Ezra's hand. Together, they fled into the woods, heartbeats pounding in unison, both terrified and exhilarated by their escape.

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